A moment of realisation about the way we operate in the world can open doors in our mind for the light to come in and bring insight. It may cause us to cringe a bit when we reflect on how we’ve been in the past, a very uncomfortable feeling. On the other hand…
As expressed in these words, we vow to awaken to the Way of Buddha. To receive the precepts means that by repeatedly making repentance, it is possible to awaken to the Dharma and this is why we chant these vows. Using these four vows as a common guide for all mankind…
‘Is there a way we should aim at beyond the framework of zazen that has not yet been accomplished?’
Paintings from a series of thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei) by Katsushika Hokusai. © Art Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street), New York, NY 10028, USA
If buddha-dharma is the self, why do we have to study from others? Why do we have to practise in order to change the self? Why do we have to practise? We already have buddha-nature. We can do whatever we want. What is wrong with this kind of view? That is the question. Dogen’s reply is as follows:…
The real part 5 of Zazenshin. Sorry for the slip up last time.
‘Other people may offer a solution to our problems, but it is usually a solution to their problems, to something a bit different, and if it helps us, it is usually by luck.’
It takes determination to trust this kind of awareness, however, because one’s conditioning tends always to go towards being judgemental and to think in terms of, ‘I shouldn’t feel like this! I don’t know what to do! How should I meditate?’ Whatever you are feeling, however, even if you feel confused about everything, just recognize it ― ‘Confusion is like this’…
Afterwards, however, as I began reflecting upon my everyday behaviour, I could see that the two aspects of my life—the active and the meditative—were totally out of balance. No matter what I was doing, I never felt free or completely at ease. I realised I would have to rekindle a fearless resolve and once again throw myself life and limb together into the Dharma struggle…
Buddhism now 